Corbin, Nats Agree to 6-Year Deal

Patrick Corbin has made his decision. And it’s one that will certainly keep the Washington Nationals in it, even if Bryce Harper goes elsewhere. Per Yahoo! Sports’ Jeff Passan, Corbin is signing with the Nationals. Needless to say, that’s huge. And no, we’re not just talking about the signing itself.

Source: Free agent starter Patrick Corbin has agreed to a six-year deal with the Washington Nationals, pending a physical.

Now, we don’t know where Harper is going to land this offseason. But we do know he’s starting to meet with other teams. Even if he doesn’t sign with the Nationals, they’re staying competitive. There’s just too much talent on this roster for them not to. Despite an 82-80 finish this past season, they should be able to challenge Atlanta (and Philly; maybe New York?) for the division.

However, these big contracts are far from a sure thing. Assuming Corbin stays healthy, though, this will work out just fine for everybody. He’s currently coming off the best season of his career. Over 200 innings of work, he put up a 3.15 ERA, 2.43 FIP and 2.74 DRA. He also struck out 30.8% of opposing batters, a career-high.

Corbin now joins a rotation that already includes Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg. On paper, they should be able to turn things around in 2019. But the offseason is just beginning, so don’t think they’re done adding quite yet.